Piedmont High School’s softball team is a work in progress, according to coach Gene Denard. But he believes his squad’s combination of returning seniors and incoming freshmen will do well in West Alameda County Conference Shoreline B division play.
“It’s still kind of early to gauge the newbies but I will say the future is going to be bright for Piedmont softball,” Denard said. “Just got to get everybody up to speed with all the rain and the extracurricular activities the ladies have.”
Miya Fujimoto will be the ace on the mound as well as the leadoff hitter. The senior is the one set thing Denard has in the early season. She will also play shortstop. “She’s our ace, so she’s going to get the bulk of the innings,” Denard said.
Freshman Edie Elmquist hit second in the first two games, playing shortstop when Fujimoto was pitching and moving over to third base when Fujimoto was at short. Senior Eunice Kouadio played second base and hit third with freshman catcher Hannah Joerger hitting cleanup.
The next three slots were seniors with first baseman Sophena Tuli fifth followed by infielder Samantha Ronen and then center fielder Cyntiche Kouadio. Sophomore outfielder Kajsa Benson and freshman outfielder/infielder Josephine Schuetz alternated the final two spots.
However, Denard was clear that beyond Fujimoto at the top, the batting order is in a state of flux for now. “It’s up in the air right now,” Denard said. “The only thing that is set in stone is Fuji.”
One issue is that two returning starters are out with injuries. Senior Angelina Wu and junior Sa’mara Levi are both coming off surgery and are hoped to be back around spring break in April. “When they get back that will make us stronger in key places,” Denard said.
Three more freshmen outfielders are on varsity: Hailey Navarro, Leela Sivakumar and Teah Suhr.
Denard is optimistic about the short-term and long-term future. “In our league, we will do well,” he said. “We have a very decent schedule. Some games may be a little challenging but the reps and the experience they will get will help when we get to league.”
He added, “The freshmen are talented. I have a couple of young ladies that play travel ball so that helps out.”